Being in a car accident can be traumatic and painful enough. However, a pedestrian hit by a car can lead to even more devastating injuries. Whether you were shopping in the Plaza or on a run along 119th street, a negligent driver can hit you while you’re crossing the street.
Dealing with the physical pain and financial uncertainty after an accident can feel overwhelming. You do not have to face this difficult time alone. At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we offer the compassion of a neighbor combined with the skill of a seasoned legal professional.
As your Overland Park pedestrian accident lawyer, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., provides a level of personal attention that large, high-volume firms simply cannot match. We understand that every accident is unique, and we are dedicated to listening to your story and fighting for the justice you deserve.
Tell us about your accident during a free consultation. You will work directly with our attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
While we are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Key Takeaways About Kansas and Missouri Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Drivers in both Kansas and Missouri are legally obligated to exercise a high duty of care to avoid collisions with pedestrians, including requirements to yield the right of way and maintain attention.
- Legal representation focuses on managing communications with insurance companies, investigating the scene for evidence (like camera footage or witness statements), and establishing the driver’s negligence.
- Victims may seek compensation for a wide range of losses, including immediate and future medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Filing deadlines vary significantly by state: Missouri generally allows five years for personal injury claims (three for wrongful death), while Kansas strictly limits the filing period to two years for both.
- Success in a claim requires proving four specific elements: that the driver owed a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that their actions directly caused the accident, and that the victim suffered actual damages as a result.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Recovering from your injuries should be your top priority after being hit by a car. Let a dedicated Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri pedestrian accident lawyer handle the legal complexities. We’ll take the weight off your shoulders by managing every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on getting better.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Handle All Communications: We’ll take over all discussions and negotiations with aggressive insurance adjusters, protecting you from their unethical tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld.
- Investigate Your Accident: Our firm will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence like police reports, witness statements, and any available traffic camera footage to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Establish Liability: We will work to prove the driver’s negligence and establish clear liability. This is a critical step in securing the compensation you are owed for your injuries and other losses.
- Gather Essential Documentation: We will meticulously collect and organize all necessary documents, including your medical records and bills, to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages.
- Build a Compelling Case: Using the evidence and documentation gathered, we construct a powerful case on your behalf, aimed at pursuing the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Makes the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. Different?
At the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we understand that choosing a personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming. We distinguish ourselves by providing dedicated, client-focused representation that big firms often can’t match. Here’s what makes our pedestrian accident law firm different:
- The Small-Firm Advantage: When you work with us, you receive direct, one-on-one attention from your attorney. You won’t be passed off to a case manager or paralegal. Your case gets the expert legal guidance it deserves from start to finish.
- Decades of Dedicated Experience: Peter A. Jouras, Jr. brings over 25 years of focused experience as a personal injury attorney to your case. His extensive knowledge is your greatest asset in navigating the complexities of your claim.
- Local Representation Across State Lines: We are proud to serve our community as a Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri pedestrian accident attorney. We understand the local laws and are committed to helping our neighbors on both sides of the state line.
- No-Risk Financial Commitment: We firmly believe that quality legal help should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While walking on the sidewalk or when crossing the street, you shouldn’t have to worry about negligent drivers. Safety precautions have already been taken; another person’s carelessness shouldn’t disrupt your life. Here are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Poor visibility and darkness
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to exercise due care or watch for pedestrians
Kansas Statistics
According to the Kansas Traffic Crash Facts Book, in 2023, there were 38 pedestrian deaths and 4,093 injuries from traffic crashes. Factors like darkness and drunk driving accounted for roughly 75% of these deaths.
Missouri Statistics
The Missouri Department of Transportation reported 148 pedestrian fatalities in 2024. The Missouri Traffic Crash report indicates that in 2022, 130 pedestrians were killed. Common causes cited include driver alcohol/drug involvement, speeding, distracted/inattentive driving, and failure to yield.
Drivers have specific duties under the law. For example, under Missouri law (Section 300.410), drivers must exercise the utmost care to avoid collisions. In Kansas (K.S.A. 8-1535), drivers are legally required to watch out for pedestrians and honk if necessary to prevent a collision.
Learn More: The Most Dangerous Intersections in Overland Park, KS
Common Injuries Sustained from Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protection against a vehicle, injuries are often severe and life-altering. As an experienced Overland Park pedestrian accident attorney, we frequently help clients suffering from:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish
- Burns and Road Rash
If you are overwhelmed with paying medical bills for an accident that wasn’t your fault, call an experienced and compassionate attorney who can help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?
Determining fault is critical to your claim. While the driver is often the primary party responsible, they may not be the only one. Here are some common parties that may be at fault for your accident.
- Drivers: For negligence such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield.
- Government Entities: If dangerous roadway design, poor lighting, or a lack of proper signage contributed to the accident.
- Product Manufacturers: If a defective auto part (like brakes) caused the collision.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Kansas and Missouri
Your recovery involves more than just healing physical wounds; it involves securing your financial future. As a pedestrian accident attorney, we fight to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses, including ER costs, surgeries, rehab and therapy, and other healthcare bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of partnership or guardianship
- Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of the wrongful death of a loved one
Kansas and Missouri Pedestrian Accident Claim FAQs
How Much is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
No two cases are alike. The value of your claim depends on several specific factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the amount of income you have lost, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life. An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors to estimate a fair settlement amount.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Kansas and Missouri? (cite KS and MO laws)
- Missouri: In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the incident to file a claim, according to RSMo § 516.120. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is three years, according to RSMo § 537.080.
- Kansas: In Kansas, K.S.A. 60-513 states that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years.
What Must Be Proven in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
To succeed in a claim, we must establish negligence. This involves proving four key elements:
- Duty: The driver owed you a duty of care (e.g., to follow traffic laws).
- Breach: The driver breached that duty (e.g., by texting while driving).
- Causation: The driver’s breach directly caused your accident.
- Damages: You suffered actual injuries and losses as a result.
How Long Will a Pedestrian Accident Case Take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the clarity of liability, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle fairly. We may advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) to ensure all your future needs are accounted for in the settlement.
Learn More: How Long Does a Personal Injury Take in Kansas?
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Overland Park Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in Kansas City, let us help you find the path forward. You don’t have to navigate this complex legal system alone. Contact The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. today to discuss your case with a compassionate professional who cares about your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
